Ahtisa Manalo believes Thailand holds lucky charm for Philippine queens

Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo believes Thailand is a lucky stage for Filipinas, drawing inspiration from Catriona Gray’s 2018 win and Emma Tiglao’s success. Emotional at her send-off, Ahtisa vows to give her all in her final pageant journey.

Miss Universe Philippines 2025 Ahtisa Manalo is setting her sights on the Miss Universe crown with unwavering faith that Thailand, the same country where Catriona Gray won in 2018 and Emma Tiglao shone at Miss Grand will once again bring luck to the Philippines.

“Oo, naniniwala ako sa luck, naniniwala ako sa destiny, and I do believe that Thailand is a lucky country for the Philippines to compete in this year,” Ahtisa told reporters during her emotional send-off.

The proud Quezon Province beauty admitted she is “10/10 ready in every aspect” as she prepares to represent the country on the global stage this November. Reflecting on her 18-year pageant journey, she became teary-eyed as she looked back on how far she has come.

“I don’t think it’s enough how much I’ve already thanked the people around me. I wouldn’t be here in this position without everyone who supported me from the very beginning, from my very first pageant, from when I still lived in Quezon province,” she shared.

For Ahtisa, pageantry has always been more than just a competition; it’s a calling and a way to uplift her family and community.

Vessel to achieve dreams

“Pageantry has been my vehicle, my vessel in life to achieve dreams that I want for myself and for my family. And I just hope that this journey of mine would be something that people can look into and inspire them to also go for their dreams,” she said.

As she embarks on her Miss Universe journey, Ahtisa promises to give her all.

“This send-off, this is just the beginning of our competition. Mayroon pa tayong ilalaban na fifth crown, so I really hope that you still support me all throughout my Miss Universe journey when I get to Thailand. And ilalaban ko kayo lahat,” she declared.

“I will do my best. I will make sure that the Ahtisa of the Miss Universe stage is the best Ahtisa ever.”

Now closing what she calls her “final chapter” in pageantry, Ahtisa said she intends to savor every moment of the competition.

“It’s really been an adventure, it really has been 18 years, imagine that. I started doing pageants when I was 10 years old and this is my closing chapter. So I’m really excited to give it my all, give it my best, because this is my last one and of course, to enjoy it kasi nga this is my last one.”

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